They will have the opportunity to tour the state-of-the-art cleanrooms and laboratories, and meet some of the researchers and industry partners who currently work within the building. The Duke and Duchess will also view the world’s first graphene car made by Briggs Automotive Company in partnership with Haydale.

The University of Manchester leads the world in graphene research and the NGI is one of the most important centres for commercialising the one-atom-thick material.

MECD will be one of the single largest construction projects ever undertaken by a higher education institution in the United Kingdom. It will transform the way in which the University educates future engineers in response to the needs of the fast-changing global economy.

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Over the past 100 years the University has celebrated many achievements in science and engineering, from Rutherford splitting the atom to the isolation of graphene almost a century later. MECD will create a world-leading teaching, learning and research campus to develop the engineers, scientists and innovators of tomorrow and it is an honour to be joined by Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge as we mark the commencement of the next milestone in the University’s campus masterplan

Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester

Due to open in 2020, the £350m building will house flexible labs, bespoke project areas and interactive learning environments to support our excellent research, teaching and learning in the 21st century.

Whilst on site The Duke and Duchess will seal a time capsule which will be displayed within the building once construction is completed. They will also unveil a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion.

Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, President & Vice Chancellor of The University of Manchester, said: “Over the past 100 years the University has celebrated many achievements in science and engineering, from Rutherford splitting the atom to the isolation of graphene almost a century later.

MECD will create a world-leading teaching, learning and research campus to develop the engineers, scientists and innovators of tomorrow and it is an honour to be joined by Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge as we mark the commencement of the next milestone in the University’s campus masterplan”.